Home : Blogs : Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert : Lancaster PA Real Estate Blog - Lancaster PA Realtor

Knob And Tube Wiring - Insurance Hazard?

Lancaster knob tube wiring insurance problems historic homes renovation electrical Many of the homes in Lancaster County are older with great architectural detail and character. However, one of the less attractive historical features, from an insurance perspective, can be the”knob and tube” wiring that is commonly found in homes built prior to the 1930’s. As a result, homebuyers may have trouble finding a Homeowners Insurance carrier that will insure a home with knob and tube wiring.

What is “knob and tube” wiring?
Knob and tube wiring is an electrical wiring method that was commonly installed in buildings between 1880’s to the 1930’s...

Visit my Lancaster PA Real Estate Blog for the full article on Knob & Tube Wiring Insurance Issues, thanks!

___________________________________________________________________________

For Lancaster PA homes for sale click here. Jeff Geoghan is a top real estate expert in Lancaster County, PA, and an involved community member. Jeff's work has been featured in the Lancaster Newspapers, WGAL Channel 8, PA Business Journal and Wall Street Journal. Jeff's blog on Lancaster County and its homes is nationally-featured. Contact Jeff for more help with your Lancaster PA Real Estate needs. Jeff is also a photographer - view some of his lancaster pa photography portfolio. Comments are welcome!

lancaster pa green building, lancaster pa green homes, smartgreen homebuyer

Interested in learning more about Lancaster County, PA? Read More...

Interested in listing your Lancaster PA Home for sale? See our #1 home marketing program!

Relocating to Lancaster County? We're part of one of the largest relocation companies in the world today.

Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, YourLancasterHome

Posted by Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert on 10/20/2009 09:20 PM

Comments (3)

Knob and Tube Wiring Insurance Issues in the Home Buying Channel

knob tube wiring, insurance, lancaster home buyers

This post has been included in Pennsylvania Information

3 Comments on Knob And Tube Wiring - Insurance Hazard?

OCT

Jeff, I have lived in homes with knob and tube wiring. Can't put too many things on one circuit!

Actually, knob and tube wiring was used into the 1950s in some areas of the country. The very nature of knob and tube wiring means that it is not a grounded system, so it will be unsafe to use such things as computers, plasma televisions, and other appliances and equipment that have a three-prong plug.

Probably the most serious problem, though, is with insulation being added to the attics in these older houses. Knob & tube wiring needs to be in open air in order to dissipate heat, and covering it with insulation defeats that requirement.

OCT

Most inspectors that I know recommend getting rid of it. It makes sense when insurance becomes such as issue.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?